1. Message from AIAMI President Randy Case

Two items will come to the vote of members this summer: election of a Regional Director and a change in dues for Affiliate members.

Regional Director Nominations – During the Presidents’ Convocation at our Leadership Retreat in January two people were officially nominated for the position of Regional Director. Celeste Novak, AIA hails from Ann Arbor, and Park Smith, AIA, from Flint, would like the honor of representing Michigan as a member of the AIA National board. Both are past AIAM presidents. Current Regional Director Tom Mathison, whose term is up, is running for National VP – and we support him enthusiastically.

Besides being a member of the National board, the Regional Director becomes a member of the AIA Michigan Executive Committee. Regional Director duties include attending National board meetings, promoting the issues of AIAM at those board meetings, serving on committees of the AIA National board, reporting on the proceedings to the AIAM board, and visiting local chapters. The Regional Director also attends two meetings per year chaired by the AIAM president involving all chapter presidents. The term of office for Regional Director is three years.

Additional nominations may be made by petition containing signatures of 10 members, or by resolution of any chapter or its executive committee before June 1st.

All nominees will have their photos, qualifications and platform published in a society publication prior to the end of June. Direct mail ballots will be provided and must be received back to AIAM by July 31, 2004 to allow announcement of the result at the Mid-Summer Conference.

Local chapters may wish to provide nominees a forum to present their platforms at a regular membership meeting; and AIA Michigan policy requires that all nominees must be allowed to present at the same meeting. Questions will be formulated by the ExCom for each candidate to answer in a future issue of the newsletter.

Associate Members – At its January meeting, the Board approved an increase in Associate Member dues from $37 to $50 since there has been no dues increase for this category for several years. The increase will help to offset some of the rising costs we’ve experienced in providing services to Associates. Members will also vote on this issue through a direct mail ballot, which will be sent in July and must be received back to AIAM by July 31, 2004.

Associate Members are entitled to receive the following benefits:

I encourage you to take advantage of these benefits and services. If you are presently not receiving them, or have questions, please let us know by contacting AIA Michigan at 313-965-4100 so you may enjoy the complete benefit of your membership!

2. Tune In: New Radio Show Promotes “Significant Structures”

A great new radio talk show featuring our favorite subject is airing weekly on Michigan Talk Radio. “Michigan’s Most Significant Structures” features architects highlighting prominent structures such as the Fisher Building, Mackinac Bridge, Frederick Meijer Gardens, Lapeer County Courthouse, Bay View Association and more. The program airs Thursdays (6:50 am, 9:20 am, 4:20 pm and 6:20 pm). Click here for additional information for more information, including a list of Michigan Talk Radio affiliate stations, so you can find the one near you! AIAMI’s public relations firm is also in the process of working with Michigan Talk Radio to schedule interviews with AIA members on issues of interest in each chapter area. To volunteer or share your ideas for interviews, contact Angela Jeruzal by phone at 248-855-6777 or ajeruzal@marxlayne.com  You can also provide suggestions for structures in your chapter area, to ensure that your area is covered.

3. Ned Apigian, AIA – Michigan House of Representatives – 17th District

Ned Apigian, AIA is a Democrat running for the vacant seat in the November election in the House of Representatives.  Ned would be the only State licensed design and physical planning professional elected to State Government.  His Interest and expertise are Environmental, Regional and City Planning, Urban Design, Land use, Zoning, Urban Sprawl, Transportation Systems and other related growth issues.  Please send your support with checks payable to Apigian for State Representative, P.O. Box 65, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127-0065.  If you have comments or questions please contact Ned at  313-562-6058.

4. Review AIA Brand Report Now

AIA National’s interim report on its Brand Research effort  conducted over the past year can be downloaded now. The report is a quick, but though-provoking read, which provides useful insights into the value of the AIA brand and encouraging news about the Institute, but it also raises important questions about our future, the paradoxes of our image and our diversity.

5. Design & Construction Expo 2004 Is A Success

At this year’s Design & Construction Expo, 7,141 attendees saw product demonstrations from over 220 exhibitors who filled more than 500 spaces. The attendees also checked out new equipment and materials that will be available to them in upcoming years. Plans are already underway for next year’s Expo to be held at Novi Expo Center, Feb. 9-10, 2005.

6. ARE Scores Delayed

Because NCARB is completing one of its periodic updates on the standard of performance for the Architect Registration Examination, candidates who have taken ARE multiple choice divisions since Feb. 2, will receive scores by late April-early May. The delay is a result of NCARB’s efforts to convene and conduct a Cut Score Study, which will establish a passing threshold for each multiple-choice division of the recently released ARE Version 3.0. Scores cannot be calculated until the data is analyzed and the Cut Score Study is completed.

7. Masonry Institute Honors Projects

At its recent Masonry Honor Awards Program for Excellence in Masonry Design, the Masonry Institute of Michigan honored the work of seven architectural firms. M Awards, presented by AIAM President Randy Case, were presented to DiClemente Siegel Design for Madison District Public Schools High School Auditorium, Neumann/Smith & Associates for Livonia Parks and Recreation project, ARCADIS for Oakland Work Release Facility, Constantine George Pappas AIA Architecture / Planning for St. Paul Catholic Church, French Associates for Oakland Schools Office & Conference Center, Hobbs + Black Associates for University Commons, and HarleyEllis for Our Lady of Good Counsel.

8.  In Memoriam

AIA Detroit member Frank Straub, FAIA passed away on March 18, 2004. Born in Minnesota in 1917, He served in the US Air Force during World War II and held the rank of Captain. Mr. Straub is a graduate of the University of Michigan College of Architecture. He was a project architect at Minoru Yamasaki Associates before establishing his own firm with Gunnar Birkerts in 1960. He served as president of the firm, then was appointed chairman in 1986. Mr. Straub has held several offices as a member of AIA Michigan and AIA Detroit.

9. Opportunities

Call for Entries: Hot Firm List – Design and environmental consulting firm may enter this Zweig Letter competition, which recognizes the fastest growing architecture, engineering and environmental firms. Deadline to enter is May 1, 2004. Rankings are based on percentage and dollar revenue growth over the past three years. Enter online at thezweigletter.com.

Wood Design Awards – Wood Design & Building magazine seeks entries for its 2004 awards program that honors excellence in architecture in which wood plays a significant role. Submissions are due May 7, 2004. Entry categories include residential and non-residential buildings and interiors, both new and remodeled. Complete details and entry forms are at woodmags.com.

Call for Nominations for Da Vinci Awards – Da Vinci Awards for Accessibility celebrate universal design and technology that benefit people with disabilities. Sponsored by The Engineering Society of Detroit and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter. Entry deadline is May 28, 2004. For information, call Nancy Strodl at 248-355-2910 x 152; or visit esd.org/davinci.

Housing Design Competition – The Housing Authority of Norwalk, Connecticut, sponsors this housing design competition for exemplary site and unit plans for first-time buyers, entry- and mid-level professionals, and fixed-income seniors. Single-state competition is open to all U.S. registered architects. Final submissions are due Aug. 13, 2004. Visit www.norwalkha.org, or e-mail competitionadvisor@swinter.com.

10. Firm News

Anniversaries:

gunnlevine celebrates 30th Anniversary.

Awards, Recognitions

Fanning/Howey Associates: National School Boards Association citation for Romeo Engineering & Technology Center in Romeo … Structural Design Inc.: 2004 Engineering Award of Excellence Merit Award ($10M - $25M project category) from American Institute of Steel Construction for S.T. Dana Courtyard Infill in Ann Arbor.

New Positions

gunnlevine architects has expanded its staff recently adding two highly-respected architects, Edward Francis, FAIA and James Cardoza, RA principals from Kessler/Francis/Cardoza.  Francis and Cardoza will hold the same position with gunnlevine architects.  These additions enrich the portfolio of gunnlevine architects significantly, adding expertise in preservation, performing arts, urban planning, urban design and corporate facilities to the reputation gunnlevine architects has built in the education and heathcare sectors over the past 30 years.

DSA Architects: Pamela Riley, AIA as project manager; Robert Lapinsky, AIA as senior project architect … DiClemente Siegel Design, Inc.: James Murray attained Registered Architect designation … FTC&H: Jeffrey Montague, AIA as architect; Douglas Crowley, Patrick O’Connor and Clair Schwartz, PE to senior associate; Adam Meeker, AIA and Neal Jones, AIA to associate … French Associates Inc.: Dan Jerome to senior associate … Gensler: James Meredith to principal … HarleyEllis Corp.: Arthur Smith to principal, architectural design … SmithGroup: Barbara Porter to lead the corporate marketing team.

New Firms, Names, Addresses, Mergers

Gunn Levine Associates became gunnlevine architects.

11. Grapevine

12. Mark Your Calendar

Highlights of Upcoming AIA Michigan & Chapter Events
Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

13. Errata:

The board positions in Place Magazine for the 2003 Mid Michigan Board of Directors was incorrect.  We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.  Please refer to the AIAMI website for the 2004 Board.   Click here for the Mid Michigan 2004 Board. See attachment for corrected 2003 Board.

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